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US Press Information
For Release: EMBARGO: 13 August 2009, 6pm Eastern Time
Contact: Thomas Plucinsky
BMW Product and Technology Communications Manager
Tel. 201 307-3783
Thomas.Plucinsky@bmwna.com
David J. Buchko
Advanced Powertrain & Heritage Communications
Tel. 201 307 3709
Dave.buchko@bmwna.com
Matthew Russell
BMW Product and Technology Communications
Motorsport Communications Manager
Tel. 201 307 3755
Matthew.Russell@bmwna.com
THE 2010 BMW ACTIVEHYBRID X6
Introducing the BMW ActiveHybrid X6. The first BMW ActiveHybrid.
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, 13 August 2009, 6pm Eastern… BMW announced today the
production version of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6. The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 will make its
world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in September and will reach US BMW
Centers in fourth-quarter 2009. ActiveHybrid technology provides a glimpse into the future,
achieving outstanding driving dynamics with equally impressive efficiency. It melds both of
these qualities to offer a truly unique driving experience. The world’s first Sports Activity
Coupe with full hybrid drive capitalizes on the options offered by combining the combustion
engine with electric motors to create a powertrain with new levels dynamic performance and
efficiency.
BMW ActiveHybrid technology offers a significant increase in driving dynamics and at the
same time reduces fuel consumption by approximately 20 percent versus a comparable vehicle
powered by a combustion engine alone. The result is even greater driving pleasure combined
with enhanced fuel economy and CO2 management providing the kind of progress to make the
BMW ActiveHybrid X6 a genuine BMW in the hybrid market.
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The overall drive system featured in the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 consists of a 400 hp twin-
turbocharged V8 gasoline engine and two electric synchronous motors delivering 91 hp and 86
hp, respectively. Maximum system output is 480 hp, and peak torque reaches 575 lb-ft.
Precisely controlled interaction of the three power units optimizes the overall efficiency of the
BMW ActiveHybrid X6 at all speeds, with acceleration from a standstill to 60 mph in 5.4
seconds. Top speed of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is limited electronically to 130 mph, with
average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle improved by roughly 20%, and a CO2 emission
rating of 231 grams per kilometer. EPA ratings will be available closer to the market
introduction.
BMW’s first full hybrid model is able to run exclusively on electric power – and that is entirely
free of CO2 – up to a speed of 37 mph (60 km/h), with the combustion engine being activated
automatically whenever required.
These performance figures are made possible by utilizing a two-mode active transmission. The
ideal combination of the two power modes can be controlled for enhanced efficiency and
dynamic performance in any driving condition. With the two electric motors, three planetary
gearsets and four multi-plate clutches, drive power is transmitted through a 7-speed automatic
transmission. As would be expected in a BMW, the driver can operate the transmission
manually. BMW’s lauded xDrive all-wheel-drive system distributes the power between the
front and rear axles.
The electric motors receive their energy from an NiMH high-performance battery pack
positioned beneath the floor of the luggage compartment. This battery pack also feeds electric
power to the vehicle’s on-board network. Luggage compartment capacity is therefore the same
as on the original BMW X6. On brake application and/or on deceleration, kinetic energy is
converted into electrical energy and is stored in the battery pack. To provide this function either
one or both of the electric motors act as a generator, feeding electric power generated back into
the high-voltage battery.
Unique efficiency ensured by two-mode active transmission.
BMW ActiveHybrid technology has been developed specifically for use in a particularly
dynamic vehicle and for a broad range of practical use. The big advantage, therefore, is
optimization of drivetrain efficiency in all speed ranges and conditions.
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The two-mode active transmission is based on an ECVT (electric continuously variable
transmission) operating in two separate modes. One mode is for stop-and-go driving and low
speeds, and the second is for driving at higher speeds.
From a stop and at low speeds, only one of the two electric motors is activated. As soon as the
driver requires more power or increased speed, the second electric motor automatically starts
the combustion engine. The second electric motor then serves as a generator to provide a supply
of electric power to the vehicle systems. When driving steadily at a higher speed most of the
power required is delivered by the combustion engine in a largely mechanical process. Here
again, one of the two electric motors acts as a generator.
The mechanical components, including three planetary gearsets and the two electric motors,
combine to provide for seven total effective gears. This configuration manages the power
generated by the combustion engine and two electric motors in a way that maximizes driving
versatility.
Twin-turbocharged V8 gasoline engine with High Precision Direct Injection.
The combustion engine is the innovative reverse-flow V8 first featured in the BMW X6
xDrive50i. The world’s first V8 gasoline engine with two turbochargers in the V-section
between the two rows of cylinders develops power throughout the entire engine speed range.
The spontaneous and direct response of this engine results from its compact configuration,
which allows the shortest exhaust manifolds.
Displacing 4.4 liters, this outstanding engine delivers its maximum output of 400 hp between
5,500 and 6,400 rpm. Peak torque of 450 lb-ft is maintained from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm, with High
Precision Direct Injection ensuring precise supply of fuel at all times. Piezo-injectors positioned
in the combustion chambers between the valves ensure a smooth, efficient and clean
combustion process. The engine fulfils the European EU5 standard as well as the ULEV II
standards in the US.
Compared with the engine featured in the BMW X6 xDrive50i, this version has been modified
in numerous respects to the specific requirements of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6. There is no
starter, alternator, or belt drive for the air-conditioning compressor and hydraulic pump. The
dual-circuit cooling system has been modified for all-electric operation.
Electric motors for enhanced performance on no extra fuel.
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When accelerating, the V8 engine of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 joins forces with the electric
motors to ensure optimum efficiency and dynamic performance. When the driver requires more
power, the two electric motors supply additional torque for enhanced performance. This boost
effect significantly increases the overall output of the vehicle, without increasing fuel
consumption.
While the two electric motors have almost the same output, they have been modified in their
performance characteristics to meet specific requirements. The power delivered is 91 hp and 86
hp, respectively, with peak torque values of 192 lb-ft and 206 lb-ft.
The electric motors support the combustion engine effectively throughout the entire speed
range. The additional electrically-generated drive power reduces the power output required of
the combustion engine when driving at steady highway speeds. Load shifts are managed to give
the overall system enhanced efficiency under the full spectrum of driving conditions. During
kick-down and maximum acceleration shifts, the electric motors help provide an additional
boost of power.
Maximum system output is 480 hp, with peak torque of 575 lb-ft. This makes the BMW
ActiveHybrid X6 the most powerful hybrid vehicle in the world, with acceleration from a
standstill to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds and top speed is limited electronically to 130 mph.
All-electrical driving mode reducing emissions to zero.
With its combination of two-mode active transmission and high-performance battery pack, the
BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is able to run on its electric motors alone at low speeds. This makes it a
zero-emission vehicle under such conditions.
The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 may run on electric power alone regardless of the ambient
temperature, as long as minimum operating temperatures are reached for the engine coolant,
transmission fluid and high-voltage battery. Top speed in the electric mode is 37 mph,
maximum range is 1.6 miles.
While driving electrically, the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 retains all its safety and comfort
functions. The brakes remain fully operative thanks to electric vacuum supply, and don’t require
the combustion engine to develop their full effect. The same applies to the Electronic Power
Steering, with steering assistance being generated on demand by an electric motor.
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Even the air conditioning remains fully available without any restrictions, running efficiently on
an electrically operated air-conditioning compressor. Since the battery pack supplies the electric
power to the 12-volt on-board network through a voltage converter, all other systems such as
the lights, infotainment, and safety systems remain fully functional.
Energy Regeneration:
Electric power generated without additional fuel consumption.
The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 features an enhanced version of Brake Energy Regeneration
already used in some current BMW models running on a combustion engine alone. In this case
the electric motors act as generators when coasting or applying the brakes in order to feed
electric power into the battery pack.
This process recaptures energy which would otherwise be lost in conventional vehicles in the
form of heat escaping through the brakes. Depending on road speed, one or both of the electric
motors may perform the regeneration function.
The power delivered by the generator is approximately 50 kW, about 25 times as much as the
power provided by BMW’s original Brake Energy Regeneration.
Generator delivering electrical braking force.
In the generator mode, the two electric motors recapture much of the energy that must be
dissipated to slow the vehicle. The stopping force generated in this way is up to 0.3 G,
significantly reducing the demands on the mechanical brake system.
Sensotronic Brake Actuation (SBA) in the BMW Active Hybrid X6 may be used at any time
without a direct mechanical connection between the brake pedal and the hydraulic circuit. Pedal
movement is recorded by sensors and split by a control unit into brake power generated by
regeneration and conventional hydraulic braking. At the same time an integrated pedal force
simulator generates the usual brake feeling for the driver as an additional factor in this brake-
by-wire solution.
The active brake servo builds up brake pressure with electrical control according to the signals
emitted by the control unit. To ensure brake power assistance also in the all-electric mode, the
BMW ActiveHybrid X6 employs an electrical vacuum pump. A mechanical failsafe function
guarantees full operation of the brake system in the event of a failure or a fault in the electrical
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system. In this case, the stopping power required is generated by the hydraulic system alone,
like on a conventional vehicle.
The primary task of the SBA system is to maximize the use of brake force available through the
regeneration process. Via the xDrive powertrain, the hybrid system in the BMW ActiveHybrid
X6 is able to transmit regenerative brake forces to all four wheels. And whenever the stopping
power required exceeds the level of 3 meters/sec, the control unit builds up additional brake
force through the mechanical brake by means of the active brake servo.
In braking situations critical to driving stability, the control unit receives additional signals from
Dynamic Stability Control, affecting brakes and engine management to keep the vehicle safely
on course. This ensures safe braking under all conditions, regardless of whether the stopping
power needed is generated electrically or hydraulically.
All driving stability systems are tailored to the dynamic character of the BMW ActiveHybrid
X6. Dynamic Traction Control, for example, provides maximum traction and drive power on
loose surfaces such as snow or sand thanks to its higher slip thresholds. And with the DTC
mode activated, the driver may opt for a particularly sporting style of driving all the way to a
controlled slip in corners.
BMW xDrive: intelligent all-wheel drive for extra performance, optimum driving stability
and traction.
The sporty driving behavior of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is due largely to BMW’s xDrive all-
wheel-drive system. Electronically controlled, variable distribution of drive power front-to-rear
gives the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 superior traction and enhanced driving dynamics.
xDrive features smooth division of drive power through a transfer case with an electronically
controlled multiple-plate clutch that feeds power to the axle with optimum wheel contact and
grip on the road. Under normal conditions BMW xDrive distributes drive power to the front and
rear axle in a 40:60 split. Sensors constantly measure wheel slip at both the front and rear, and
varies the balance of drive power within a fraction of a second. Unlike conventional all-wheel-
drive systems, xDrive “looks ahead” and does not only respond when a wheel has already begun
to spin.
Electronic Power Steering for even greater efficiency.
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The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is the first Sports Activity Vehicle to feature Electronic Power
Steering. This allows variable steering assistance both when driving with the combustion engine
and in the all-electric mode.
Electronic Power Steering on the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 comes complete with fully integrated
speed-related Servotronic steering assistance. Servotronic reduces assistance at high speeds
ensuring not only directional stability but also extremely precise steering behavior in corner. At
low speeds, on the other hand, for example when parking, extra power assistance significantly
reduces the steering forces required.
Liquid cooling for even greater performance on the high-performance battery pack.
The high-voltage, nickel-metal hydrid technology (NiMH) battery pack featured in the BMW
ActiveHybrid X6 has a total capacity of 2.4 kWh, with 1.4 kWh available nominally. Maximum
output is 57 kW, with the battery’s control unit constantly determining the output level currently
available as well as the charge status of the battery.
The high-performance battery pack comes with its own liquid cooling system incorporating a
heat exchanger to cool the battery pack through the flow of air from the outside and,
additionally, through a cooling circuit from the air conditioning system. These two circuits are
activated either individually or in combination with one another, depending on need, with the
control unit selecting the most effective and efficient cooling option as a function of ambient
temperature and the temperature of the battery pack.
Cooling by the air conditioning system is activated by an appropriate switch valve, with the
electrical climate compressor being switched on automatically whenever required. The battery
cooling function is separate from the vehicle interior cooling function. Using the air
conditioning system for battery pack cooling is far more efficient and effective than using air
cooling alone to maintain the battery pack at the optimum operating temperature thereby
preserving the hybrid functions longer in extreme weather and sport driving conditions. As
befits The Ultimate Driving Machine, the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid provides a driving
experience like no other hybrid in the marketplace.
Intelligent energy management and integral safety concept.
The electronics for BMW ActiveHybrid have been developed especially for energy efficiency
and driving flexibility. The control system constantly controls the distribution of energy as a
function of ambient conditions, the status of the vehicle, and the demands made by the driver.
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The two overriding control factors are the charge status of the battery pack and the capture of
energy generated through regeneration.
The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 fulfills BMW’s integral safety concepts that have been updated for
hybrid vehicles. Examples of the features of this safety concept are the different colors of cables
to avoid confusion, the presentation of clear safety warnings, and protection of the entire
electrical system via extra-large insulation panels and newly developed connectors.
The high-voltage battery pack is housed in a reinforced steel casing and is located just above the
rear axle at an extremely safe location in the event of a collision. The status of the battery pack
is constantly supervised by integrated safety electronics, and the driver will be informed
immediately of any malfunction and, if necessary, the entire system can be automatically
discharged and deactivated. In the event of a crash, the system is switched off automatically
within a fraction of a second. The central safety electronics then assess the severity of the
accident and ensure a safe operating mode if possible.
Hybrid-specific Auto Start Stop function.
The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is equipped with a new generation of Auto Start Stop technology,
specifically tailored to the requirements of a hybrid vehicle. Auto Start Stop functions at all
ambient temperatures. While the engine is switched off, the electric air-conditioning compressor
automatically maintains the climate and temperature desired within the passenger compartment.
All other electrically operated functions continue uninterrupted, with the on-board network
supplied with power from the battery pack. The hybrid Auto Start Stop can be deactivated by
choosing the Manual gearshift mode on the automatic transmission.
Displays inform the driver of the operating status and efficiency of the hybrid system.
Status of the hybrid system and current operating conditions are presented in two locations. The
most important information is shown in the instrument cluster, separated according to operating
mode. Further information and technical explanations are shown in the Central Display.
The drive displays are split into a conventional tachometer for the combustion engine and
electric drive display in the lower part of the instrument cluster. The electric drive display
shows the charge status of the battery pack, the regeneration status, and the electric motor
operating status. In the Central Display, this information is supplemented by additional data on
current operating conditions and the current flow of energy.
Specific set-up of the suspension and the lightweight brakes.
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The chassis and suspension of the BMW Active Hybrid X6 is largely the same as the
technology already featured on the BMW X6 xDrive50i. The front suspension is a double A-
arm configuration ensuring excellent driving dynamics, comfort, and directional stability. Self-
leveling with air suspension provides a constant ride height, even when carrying a heavy load.
Lightweight brakes decelerate the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 by means of aluminum floating
calipers and brake rotors incorporating aluminum hubs (or hats). Lightweight materials
engineering reduces unsprung mass and improves the vehicle’s driving comfort and agility.
Brake disc diameter is 15.2 inches up front and 13.6 inches at the rear.
20-inch light-alloy Aero wheels featuring an aerodynamically optimized design have been
developed exclusively for the BMW ActiveHybrid X6. 19-inch light-alloy wheels with all-
season tires are available as an option. In each case the tires feature runflat technology which
enables the driver to continue driving after a complete loss of pressure.
Bodyshell and safety: intelligent lightweight construction, optimized occupant safety.
Intelligent lightweight construction and a special body structure for maximum rigidity also
characterize the unibody of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6.
The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 comes with three-point inertia-reel seat belts for all seats featuring
belt force limiters and belt pretensioners on the front seats. To protect the occupants from
cervical spine injury in the event of a collision at the rear, the front seats feature crash-activated
headrests, the rear seats come as standard with ISOFIX child seat fastenings. The vehicle is
equipped with frontal and hip thorax airbags, and side-curtain head airbags.
All restraint systems are controlled by central safety electronics including rollover sensors. The
system can activate the side-curtain airbags and belt pretensioners in the event of an impending
rollover.
Standard adaptive bi-xenon headlights ensure optimum illumination of the road ahead by
steering with the vehicle. A daytime running light function operates through the corona rings.
The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 also features a windshield-mounted sensor that automatically
controls the lights and windshield wipers on demand. Additional comfort at night is provided by
available Automatic High Beams which will automatically dim the high beam headlights when
an oncoming vehicle is detected. The standard Head-Up Display projects information relevant
to the driver onto the windscreen.
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The BMW ActiveHybrid X6: Sports Activity Coupe of the highest standard, BMW
ActiveHybrid with maximum efficiency.
The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 combines an innovative vehicle concept with cutting-edge
drivetrain technology to provide a truly unique driving experience. The enhancement of both
dynamic performance and efficiency gives BMW’s Sports Activity Coupe additional appeal.
BMW ActiveHybrid technology helps to achieve a high level of efficiency in this versatile
model.
From outside the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 differs from the conventional-drivetrain models in
only a few details. With its elegant and dynamically flowing roofline and features typical of a
BMW, the Sports Activity Coupe offers a uniquely sporting rendition of this very special
vehicle with its unprecedented character, now as a full hybrid variant.
The “powerdome” hood distinguishes the vehicle from outside, “ActiveHybrid” model
designations on the tailgate trim bar and the front doors as well as Bluewater Metallic paint
offered for the first time on a BMW X6. Apart from the specific hybrid displays in the
instrument cluster, door entry trim covers bearing the designation “BMW ActiveHybrid” on the
driver’s and front passenger’s doors add a particular highlight and sign of distinction.
TM
BMW Ultimate Service :
Providing owners with incredible value and peace of mind
TM
The 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 will feature BMW Ultimate Service , a suite of services
that includes the BMW Maintenance Program (formerly called Full Maintenance), Roadside
TM
Assistance and the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. BMW Assist with TeleService is
available on all X6 models.
TM
BMW Ultimate Service includes:
The BMW Maintenance Program is the only no-cost maintenance program in the industry
that covers wear and tear items like brake pads and rotors for 4 years or 50,000 miles,
whichever comes first. BMW owners pay nothing for all scheduled inspections, oil changes,
brake pads, wiper blade inserts and other wear-and-tear items.
BMW Roadside Assistance is one of the industry’s most comprehensive plans available. Not
only is it no-charge for the first 4 years, but there is no mileage limit. BMW drivers enjoy the
assurance of on-the-road help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in the United States,
Canada and Puerto Rico. This includes everything from flat tire changes, emergency gasoline
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and lock-out assistance, to towing, alternative transportation and even trip-interruption benefits.
This service also includes valuable trip routing advice.
BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty: All 2010 BMW passenger vehicles are covered by
BMW’s excellent Limited Warranty, which includes:
• New-vehicle warranty – 4-year/50,000-mile coverage of the vehicle.
• Rust-perforation warranty – 12-year/unlimited-mileage coverage.
TM
BMW Assist provides the driver with services that enhance on-the-road security and
convenience, for added peace of mind. The BMW Assist and Bluetooth® System is available
and includes the Safety Plan for 4 years at no additional cost when ordered. BMW is the only
manufacturer that offers this duration of service as other manufacturers only include the first
year of service. The BMW Assist Safety Plan is a subscription based service that is subject to
certain limitations.
The in-vehicle equipment for BMW Assist includes GPS technology and hands-free
communication functions to deliver emergency and other services, accessed via buttons in the
overhead or center console. The BMW Assist system transmits the location and vehicle
information to the BMW Assist Response Center. A response specialist speaks with the vehicle
occupants to coordinate dispatch, notify emergency contacts on file, and link BMW Roadside
Assistance or emergency services as needed and/or requested. A severe accident automatically
activates the Automatic Collision Notification function. The BMW Assist Safety Plan also
includes Door Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Recovery services, which can save the owner time
and money. New to BMW Assist is MyInfo, which allows users to send business listings and
street addresses with associated phone numbers from the internet, directly to their BMW.
TeleService automatically notifies the BMW center when the vehicle will need service. A
service advisor then proactively calls the customer to set up a convenient appointment and have
the needed parts ready.
BMW Assist subscribers can also enroll in the BMW Assist Convenience Plan (available at an
additional cost of $199 per year) to avail themselves of many BMW Assist concierge services,
from finding the lowest fuel price or the best French restaurant in the area to information on
flight arrival gates or times, as well as receive directions, and traffic and weather information.
On 2007 and later models, a selected destination and its phone number can be sent directly to
the BMW Navigation system and the customer’s Bluetooth linked mobile phone, after a push of
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the Concierge menu option. New is BMW Search, which allows online access to the Google
Maps database inside the vehicle to quickly find a desired business with just a key word. The
Convenience Plan also includes Critical Calling, a service that can connect the driver to a
requested party via a response specialist in case their mobile phone is not in the vehicle or its
battery is discharged.
Lastly, the BMW Assist system includes Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity with
phonebook access and speech recognition for dialing by name or number via the steering wheel
controls. Use of this feature requires a customer-provided compatible Bluetooth mobile phone.
To learn more about BMW Assist, please visit www.bmwassist.com.
BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to
include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles,
including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a
strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other
operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW
Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 Sports
Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in
the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car centers, 335 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
centers, 142 BMW motorcycle retailers, 84 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car
dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located
in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at:
www.bmwgroupna.com
www.bmwusanews.com
www.press.bmw-motorsport.com
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Journalist note: Information about the BMW Group and its products is available to journalists on-line at
the BMW Group PressClub at the following address: www.press.bmwgroup.com/us.html. Broadcast
quality video footage is available via The NewsMarket at www.thenewsmarket.com.
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